Eye Health Central

Common glasses questions

Your Eye Health Questions Answered

If you have a lot of questions about your eye health and don’t want to consult a professional straight away, use this guide to help you as it may be one of the common questions asked that can be answered easily then it saves you a phone call or might shorten down your list of questions aha! There's no such thing as a silly question and you deserve to know the answer to anything that you may be thinking… so, here are 10 commonly asked questions that might be some or one of yours and can help you out (they might be able to ease your mind or help you make up your mind about what you're going to do)!


Glasses questions answered


Do I Really Need Glasses?

If you're experiencing blurred vision, frequent headaches, or eye strain, these are potential indicators that you might require glasses. An eye exam is the best way to determine if glasses are necessary for you.


How Often Should I Get an Eye Exam?

Regular eye exams are crucial for maintaining good eye health and ensuring your glasses prescription is up to date. Generally, it's recommended to have an eye exam every one to two years, but this can vary based on your age, overall health, and specific eye concerns.


What Are the Different Types of Lenses?

Lenses come in various types, including single-vision, bifocal, trifocal, and progressive lenses. Single-vision lenses correct either near-sightedness or farsightedness, while bifocal, trifocal, and progressive lenses offer multiple prescriptions in one lens to address various vision needs.


Are There Different Frame Styles to Choose From?

Absolutely! Frames come in a wide range of styles, shapes, and materials. From classic round frames to trendy cat-eye designs, made from cotton bases acetate to titanium, you will definitely find a frame that matches your personal style, budget, and complements your facial features.


Can I Get Prescription Sunglasses?

Yes, you can. Prescription sunglasses allow you to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays while enjoying clear vision. These sunglasses can be made with your specific prescription, ensuring you see clearly outdoors.


How Do I Choose the Right Frames for My Face?

Selecting the perfect frames for your face involves considering your face shape, skin tone, and personal style. Round faces might opt for angular frames, while square faces could choose rounder frames to balance their features. Trying on various frames and seeking advice from opticians can help you find the best fit. Check out our guide to see which type of frame is recommended depending on your face shape.


Are Anti-Reflective Coatings Worth It?

Anti-reflective (AR) coatings reduce glare and reflections on your lenses, enhancing both your vision and the appearance of your glasses. They are particularly beneficial for night driving and computer use. While AR coatings might add to the cost, many people find them worth spending the extra pennies!


What Are Blue Light-Blocking Lenses?

Blue light-blocking lenses are designed to reduce the exposure to harmful blue light emitted by digital screens. These lenses can help alleviate digital eye strain and improve sleep quality by minimising blue light's disruptive effects on circadian rhythms.


Can I Use Contact Lenses Instead of Glasses?

Of course. Contact lenses offer an alternative to glasses and are a popular choice for people who want clear vision without the appearance of glasses (a cool-looking pair of specs apparently isn’t for everyone!). However, it's essential to remember that contact lenses require proper hygiene and care to prevent eye infections.


How Do I Care for My Glasses?

Proper care is necessary to keep your glasses looking as good as new all the time. Clean your lenses regularly with a microfiber cloth and lens cleaning solution. When not in use, store your glasses in a protective case to prevent scratches and damage.


It's a good thing to ask questions and want to know everything about your health… after all, it's your own eyes you'd be asking about and you're entitled to know all the little details. If you unfortunately, don’t find the answers to your questions in this guide, you should consider talking to your optician, and they could even give you advice specific to your personal eye’s needs! Don’t panic if your questions aren’t here, this is just a small fraction of commonly asked questions related to wearing glasses and it doesn’t mean your question isn’t ‘normal’ to ask if it's not on this list!

You can never ask too many questions… your optometrist and optician staff are there to offer advice for you! 


Author: John Dreyer Optometrist Bsc(Hons), MCOPTOM, DipCLP
Created: 18 Oct 2023, Last modified: 15 Feb 2024